General interface

This section describes some general BC Bid interface and general functionality.

Browser Types

BC Bid will work with all modern web browsers. Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome are recommended. BC Bid is not compatible with Internet Explorer.

If using Firefox, ensure that popups are allowed. Do not click the “Don’t allow env.ivalua.ca to prompt you again” message.

Expand/Collapse Menu

The left-hand menu can be expanded or collapsed by selecting the double arrow. When collapsed the icon related to each step is visible, hover over the icon to see the name.

Search Commodity Codes

In the Commodity Code search pop-up (only), the search is first match not best match. First match relates to close spelling as you progress down the alphanumeric tree, whereas best match considers context. Alternatively, searching in the Commodities drop-down produces a best match result.

Note that when there is an active search, the commodity code selector sticks to the search results. Be sure to reset the search to allow you to expand the selection you want. You can also update your search to include results with terms in that specific tree.

Note: The UNSPSC commodity codes are updated at least once a year. A link to the current list of codes can be found here.

Adding files

Files are added using the Click or Drag to add files button.

i.Select the document to upload.

ii.Click Open.

iii. Alternatively, open Windows Explorer and drag the file to the Click or Drag to add files button.

File size and file formats

File uploads are limited to 500 MB per file. File types include common business application file types. There are an unlimited number of attachments.

Text fields editing toolbar

Most text fields in the application allow for the entry of rich text using the editor or What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) toolbar. Only some of the buttons on this toolbar are operational.

Copy/Paste: Use CTRL+C for copy and CTRL+V for paste instead of mouse-click (right-click).

Also note that pasting in a bulleted list from an external document may not work as expected. Copy in an un-bulleted list of text, select these rows of text, and then click the Bulleted List icon in the toolbar.

Close to save using "X"

In many instances throughout BC Bid, you will make selections in a dialog box. In cases where you do not see a Save & Close button, click the “X” at the top-right of the dialog box, the application saves your entry.

Excel response form (Invitation to Quote, Timber Auction, and Invitation to Tender only) 

If completing the Excel response form outside BC Bid, some fields may have long instructions. Turning on text wrapping in Excel will make viewing content easier.

If completing the Excel response form outside BC Bid, answers to questions are case sensitive (eg: yes/Yes). Refer to the response form in BC Bid for how to complete the fields.

Subscription Expiry Dates

When users are subscribed to e-Bidding or Notification subscriptions, the expiry date listed is the date that the subscription is expired. Eg: expiry date June 1, 2022, the service is expired, and the user cannot use their subscription. The last date of the subscription is May 30, 2022.